Liquid Wetting, Transport, and Retention Properties of Fibrous Assemblies: Part II: Water Wetting and Retention of 100% and Blended Woven Fabrics

Abstract

The liquid wetting and retention properties of cotton, polyester, and their blends and other woven fabrics, each containing a single fiber type, were investigated using a previously established method. Several aspects of liquid retention properties of woven fabrics were discussed, i.e., distribution of liquid uptake, instantaneous liquid wetting and uptake, and steady-state liquid-holding capacity. The intrinsic liquid wetting behavior and liquid retention properties of fabrics are governed by different but interdependent substrata variables. As demonstrated by similar water contact angles obtained for films, fibers, and fabrics of the same polymer, the intrinsic wettability of fabrics depends on the chemical compositions of polymeric materials. Liquid retention, on the other hand, is governed by the pore structures as well as the wetting properties of the substrata.